Practice Mindfulness

ByJohn Dacey, Gian Criscitiello, Maureen Devlin

Psychologist Ellen Langer, says that the unmindful person is one who "is often in error, but seldom in doubt." This is because that individual has come to believe most of the information she has is unquestionably true, and therefore she no longer needs to pay it any mind. The essence of mindfulness, however, is paying attention. At least eight advantages to being mindful of one's health have been documented. It can: enhance brain performance, promote creative thinking, alleviate stress, curtail anxiety, increase compassion, decrease depression, minimize chronic pain, and lower risk of heart attack or stroke. The child who is mindful will be better able to remain calm in the face of stressful situations. Mindfulness is a social and emotional learning skill that contributes to all the others.